Ghosts of Old New York: Haunted Histories of Lower Manhattan

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Discover the spirits of the past in one of New York City’s oldest neighborhoods

In the crooked, shadowy streets of Lower Manhattan lies a wealth of stories ghastly, grim, and stranger-than-fiction, covering 400 years of very (very) dark history. Join us on a 90-minute ghost tour through burial sites and sacred spaces, haunted taverns, parks, and potter’s fields, where you’ll encounter witches and wretches, pirates and prisoners, and ghouls galore!

Meet the disgraced ghost of Boss Tweed and the headless thespian George Frederick Cooke; marvel at the lives (and afterlives) of scoundrel P.T. Barnum and scribe Edgar Allan Poe; hear thrilling tales of phantom founding fathers and spectral dancers! You’ll experience a ghost tour as only Boroughs of the Dead can deliver, with our signature blend of humor and deep research, historic accuracy and love of a tale of terror! Our founder and tour guides are published writers who bring a storyteller’s touch to these spooky stories and local legends.

This spirited stroll is perfect for history lovers with a curiosity for the macabre, and for fans of all things paranormal, creepy, and strange.

Tour at a Glance
Start Location:

Meet at City Hall Park, by the fountain

End Location:

Tour ends near Fraunces Tavern

Tour Duration:

90 minutes

Distance:

1.2 miles

Tour Run Dates:

September - October

Important Information
Adults

$40

Important Information

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Cash (or your preferred app, i.e. Venmo) if you want to tip your guide

WHAT NOT TO BRING

  • Pets
  • Drugs and/or alcohol
  • Film/photography/recording equipment without prior permission

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Tours run rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather! (See our advice here)
  • Wear comfortable shoes! Most of our tours are at least a mile in length.
  • In the event of extreme or severe weather conditions, this tour may be amended or postponed; if postponed you will be given a rain check to take another tour at your convenience.
  • There are no bathroom breaks or rest stops on the tour.
  • Tours start on time, so please try to get to the meeting point 15 minutes early to give yourself time to check in and get comfortable before the tour starts.